Health fears mount for last Prisoners for Palestine hunger striker
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/health-fears-mount-last-prisoners-palestine-hunger-striker
Umer Khalid [Pic: Prisoners for Palestine]FEARS mounted over the weekend about the health of the remaining Prisoner’s for Palestine hunger striker, 22-year-old Umer Khalid, held in Wormwood Scrubs.
Mr Khalid is the last remaining hunger striker to take part in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign and is currently being held on remand at the London prison.
He has been charged in connection with an action that took place at RAF Brize Norton, where two military aircraft were spray-painted last June.
The Palestine activist is on day 17 of his hunger strike and day three of his thirst strike.
Mr Khalid suffers from a rare genetic disorder, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, which severely increases the risks associated with his hunger strike.
He was initially on hunger strike for 12 days before becoming seriously unwell and unable to walk. It is understood he has asked prison staff not to intervene in the event that he becomes unconscious.
The Prisoners for Palestine group has written to the Home Secretary asking that the government meet Mr Khalid’s representatives to end the hunger strike safely.
Amnesty International also raised concerns about Mr Khalid’s welfare at the weekend after he escalated his hunger strike by refusing water.
The rights charity’s Kerry Moscogiuri said: “Umer Khalid is in a desperate situation and we urge representatives of the government to meet with his lawyers before it is too late.
“Amnesty International has long opposed the misuse of terrorism powers that have led to lengthy, oppressive and disproportionate detention conditions, contributing directly to this crisis.
“None of the people who have been involved in the hunger strikes have been found guilty of a crime, yet some have been held in prison for up to 18 months in restrictive conditions after anti-terrorism powers have been used against them.
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